Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christian Zacharias, Lausanne Chamber Orchestra :: Mozart: Piano Concertos, KV 459 & 466 [Hybrid SACD]

A Jewel

El Infante | California | 10/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I look for charm, elegance and accessibility in Mozart and, I have found them in these recordings. The sound is natural and crisp, and all the instruments are bright and transparent. Listen to the warm and intimate woodwinds on KV459. The other concerto, KV 466, was the first in a minor key. Its tragic quality--which will become lighter and warmer by the last movement-- remind us of Don Giovanni. Whether you know a lot about Mozart of not, just enjoy these recordings. In a letter to his father on December 28, 1782 Mozart wrote these concertos work both for the connoisseur and for the ordinary listener..."without knowing why"."

Zacharias and his Lausanne Chamber Orchestra magisterially s

P. Adrian | Arad, Romania | 05/13/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Assuming a dual posture - as soloist and conductor - Christian Zacharias seems to be determined (along with his wonderful players from Chamber Orchestra of Lausanne) to complete the whole cycle of Mozart piano concertos and set a very high standard in performing them. It is all about the XXIst century manner to make music - I dare say - with total commitment and honesty regarding the truth of the score and its spirit and, not least, with sparkling virtuosity. My statement is due not only to the fact that the series is entirely recorded after 2000, but also for we are offered indeed the most charming and modern way to approach these everlasting masterpieces. The series reached (by this CD) its 4th volume comprising concertos K 459 & K 466.

The crystal-clear sound is - on this recording - the essential part of a lively story. The rich palette of emotions - ranging from truly ecstatic or evocative moments up to the most nervous and asserting phrases - is involved in a musical discourse of the most refined quality, led from the keyboard magisterially by Zacharias. A haunting flow of premonitions in the D minor concerto, for instance, peppered with amazing accents here and there, establish a strange atmosphere in the first movement - though energetic and bright sometimes - to reach a serene soaring in the second one or an allegro assai in the finale. Zacharias is charismatic for the listener and inspiring for his colleagues. He phrases intensely musical, with a real pleasure for improvisation and for taking risks - always, with an exquisite taste. The musicians around him are motivated to do their best to get the genuine Mozartian mood. Everything looks as fresh and vivid as a first encounter between Mozart and Zacharias, shared with the orchestra.

Music and only the music should stand in the first place, it is said. Then the interpreter can shine. Only intelligent musicians know this. And Zacharias is one of them. Therefore I strongly recommend this recording!

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